1. Set up a cleaning routine you can stick to
Dust and dirt are your worst nightmare when it comes to keeping your IT equipment running smoothly. Everyday debris such as dust and pet hair are the main obstacles to keeping your machine clean and working properly. Even the tiniest particles can build up over time and cause damage. A clogged keyboard, for example, can make using a laptop almost impossible. Excess dust can also slow down the fans, making it harder to keep the processor at a stable temperature.
Keep your computer clean and protected when it’s not in use to stop dust and dirt getting into the internal components. Remove debris with compressed air, especially on and around the fans. If the fans are blocked by debris, they may slow down and fail to expel heat from the computer, which can cause further damage. To clean your screen, use a proper screen cleaner rather than glass cleaner, as glass cleaner contains ammonia that can dull the surface. Also avoid eating or drinking near your computer.
2. Take care of your battery
Poorly performing batteries ordinateurs portables are one of the main reasons people replace their electronic devices with new ones too early. If you use a device with a lithium-ion battery, don’t wait until it is completely drained before charging it. There are other things you can do to extend the battery life of your devices. First, always use a compatible charger that is specifically designed for your device model. You should also keep an eye on your remaining battery capacity. The more quickly your batteries drain in future, the more often they are reaching their capacity limit.
Also try to reduce your power consumption wherever possible. Avoid using your USB ports as a charging station for your smartphone or other electronics. Think as well about which features you actually need to use. For example, you can switch off Wi‑Fi on your device if you don’t need to be connected to a wireless network.
3. Keep the device cool
Excess heat can cause all sorts of problems for your IT equipment and is an unfortunate fact of life for electronic gadgets. Your machine starts generating heat as soon as it is switched on, and when demanding applications are running, graphics cards and processors are placed under extra strain. Once temperatures reach a certain level, computer hardware has to work twice as hard just to keep going.
No need to panic, there are several ways to deal with this.
First, think about where you place your gadgets. Wherever possible, keep them in cool spots and don’t expose them to direct sunlight. It’s also essential not to block the vents on your desktop computer with anything. Cleaning the fans in the case is something you should remember to do from time to time. Extra fans will improve performance on gaming PCs. If you work on a laptop, consider buying a cooling pad.
4. Handle with care
When your device is switched on, try not to move it around. If you have to move it, do so carefully. Get into the habit of always closing your laptop lid before moving it, and never pick it up by the screen. Too much movement can damage moving parts and lead to problems later on.
Invest in protective kit, such as a padded bag or case, to protect your devices when they’re being carried around or when they’re not in use. If your computer of choice is a laptop, a padded sleeve will make travelling easier and help you avoid accidents in transit. If you want to prevent scratches and other surface damage, a screen protector is also an excellent option.
5. Don’t just leave it on standby
If we use our devices for work or study, most of us end up on them for long stretches at a time. However, these long periods of use can shorten the lifespan of your electrical devices, as they may overheat and wear out more quickly. Avoid simply closing the lid and leaving your device on standby when you’ve finished using it for the day, and get into the habit of consciously shutting your device down. This way you’ll protect your electronics from power surges and cut your energy consumption. On top of that, shutting down a computer clears the RAM, which speeds things up the next time you switch it on.
6. Buy a surge protector
Power surges can affect almost every electrical device in your home. These voltage spikes can be caused by several factors, such as lightning or faulty wiring. They also often occur when the power comes back on after a cut. Surge protectors are essential to safeguard your data. In a thunderstorm or other severe weather, remember to unplug your devices from the mains sockets.
7. Replace your hard drive with a solid-state drive
If your current hard drive is underperforming, consider replacing it with a solid‑state drive (SSD). Swapping a hard drive for an SSD is one of the most effective ways to give a computer a new lease of life and extend its lifespan. SSDs are not only getting cheaper, they are also much more efficient than traditional hard drives. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs have no moving parts. This cuts down heat build‑up and allows for faster performance.
Keep your devices running for longer
When you consider how much computers cost, it makes sense to put in a bit more effort to get the most for your money and more performance and longevity out of your system. Keeping keyboards, vents and fans clean can help your devices run as efficiently as possible for as long as possible.
Rethinking how you handle charging cycles can also help your battery last longer.
Investing in surge protection and upgrading to solid‑state drives will pay off in the long run if you want to push your IT equipment that bit further.
